In this collection of original essays, 22 historians explore the radical impulses at the founding of the American Republic. The result is a fresh new reading of the revolutionary era that recognizes a generation of radical thinkers and doers whose ideals outstripped even those of the Founding Fathers, whose political break from Britain was never meant to overturn the social status quo—in which they were at the pinnacle. Yet during this period some people did believe that "liberty" meant "liberty for all," and that "equality" should be applied to political, economic, and religious spheres. Here are the stories of individuals and groups who exemplified the radical ideals of the American Revolution more in keeping with our own values today.

"The best essays are small gems of exposition, providing both the context and detail necessary to enable readers to recognize the important contributions of these previously unappreciated and largely unknown individuals.... In short, Revolutionary Founders is one step, but only one, toward a comprehensive account of the nation's origins."—NYTBR